noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
somewhat reserved; a bit shy; tending to hold back
Describes a person's attitude or behavior as being slightly hesitant or restrained, often out of politeness or diffidence. The 気味 suffix adds a nuance of 'a touch of' or 'tending toward'.
He is always somewhat reserved with people he meets for the first time.
She said 'I'm fine' in a slightly hesitant manner.
遠慮 means 'reserve' or 'restraint' as a noun or suru-verb. 遠慮気味 adds the suffix 気味 to express a slight tendency toward that reserved state.
気味 is a suffix meaning 'a touch of' or 'slightly'. It attaches to nouns to indicate a mild tendency, as in 疲れ気味 (a bit tired).
Compound of 遠慮 (reserve, restraint) and 気味 (suffix meaning 'a touch of' or 'tending toward').